BASF India, Somaiya Vidyavihar, and Indian Chemical Council Celebrate the Next Generation of Women in Chemistry through the We-Chemie Program
Mumbai, India – September 12, 2025: BASF India, in partnership with Somaiya Vidyavihar (SVV) and the Indian Chemical Council (ICC), proudly celebrated the continued success of its flagship initiative We-Chemie, empowering young women in chemistry.
Launched in 2023, We-Chemie aims to bridge the gender gap in the chemical industry by equipping final-year BSc and MSc Chemistry students from underprivileged backgrounds with essential technical knowledge, professional skills, and real-world industry exposure.
To date, the program has trained and recognized 172 students, many of whom have already begun promising careers in the chemical sector.
At a recent certificate presentation ceremony held at the BASF Innovation Campus in Mumbai, the fourth cohort of 37 students — aged between 20 and 23 and representing diverse regions of India — celebrated their graduation. The event highlighted not just their academic achievements but also the transformative potential of targeted industry-academia collaboration.
The We-Chemie program continues to inspire and uplift the next generation of women chemists, creating pathways for inclusion, innovation, and growth in India’s chemical industry.
“We are really delighted and proud to witness the progress and impact of the We-Chemie program in such a short time. Seeing these talented young women take confident steps into the chemical industry reaffirms our commitment to building a more inclusive and diverse future. This initiative is not just about skill-building — it's about creating opportunities and inspiring long-term change in the industry.” says Alexander Gerding, Managing Director, BASF India Ltd
Somaiya Vidyavihar believes education goes beyond classrooms; it’s about opening doors and shaping futures. The We-Chemie program in partnership with BASF and ICC, has given these young women not just knowledge but the courage to dream bigger. This reflects the vision of our founder, Padma Bhushan Shri K. J. Somaiya, who believed education must serve society and empower those left behind. I am proud of these girls’ perseverance and honoured to see ambition turning into real opportunities", says Amrita Somaiya, Trustee of Somaiya Vidyavihar
Jayashree Zaware, a beneficiary of the program, reflected on her experience,“ "Today's certificate ceremony was truly a proud and memorable occasion for me. Receiving this certificate filled me with a deep sense of accomplishment and recognition for the efforts I put forth during the program. It served as a strong motivation for me to continue learning and further strengthen my knowledge in the field of chemistry. The ceremony also reminded me of the enduring value of hard work, dedication, and teamwork in achieving success. Overall, it was an inspiring experience that boosted my confidence and encouraged me to take on new challenges with greater enthusiasm. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to BASF and SVU for providing me with this wonderful opportunity."
About BASF India
BASF has successfully partnered India’s progress for more than 130 years. As of the end of 2023, BASF had 2,335 employees in India with 8 production sites and 40 offices throughout the country. The Innovation Campus Mumbai and the Coatings Technical Center in Mangalore are both part of BASF’s global technology platform. In 2023, BASF registered sales of approximately €2.4 billion to customers in India. Further information is available on www.basf.com/in.
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €68.9 billion in 2023. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.
